4medium tomatoeschopped or 1 can whole tomatoes, drained
1Tablespoontomato paste
1 1/2cupof tomato sauceuse only 1 cup if using canned tomatoes
1teaspoondry oregano
1teaspoonkosher saltor to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2cupof water
a handful cilantro sprigs plus more for garnish
2tablespoonsof capersoptional
1/4cupgreen olivesoptional
For the meatballs
2poundslean ground turkey
1egglightly beaten
1cupbreadcrumbsI used panko
1small red or yellow onionfinely diced
2garlic clovesgrated or minced
1teaspoonkosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large lidded sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and peppers and sauté until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 more minute. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using canned tomatoes, crush with a wooden spoon, add the water and cilantro sprigs and lat come to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Using wet hands, mix all the ingredients well until everything is combined. Form meatballs, wetting hands as needed, to about the size of a golfball.
Carefully add the meatballs to the sauce and cook, covered, about 15 minutes. Uncover and add the capers and olives if using. Cook uncovered another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with white rice and beans, if desired.